Monday, August 29, 2005

Issue 135- "Prayers and Dreams"

Written, Pencilled and Inked by : Heath P. Lail

Hullo again everyone. Please keep your thoughts with those who might have been hurt or lost property by the hurricane coming on shore today. Best of luck to you all...God will provide.

Whew! Has it been 135 issues already? Seems like yesterday that Sam and I patched up our differences and I started a new Journal. Well I just wanna say that I got the good news that I am not going to school tomorrow...classes until 1 are cancelled so I get a day of rest. It'll help me catch up...I know y'all are thinking that I just started back, but trust me...I'm up to my elbows in stuff already. I'm gonna try to pick out two good topics from my Philosophy book tonight and try to give you a lil' something more than just jawing tomorrow...possibly even TWO issues in one day? Is it possible? I'm not sure but I AM sure that we shall find out in the morning.

Well, I met Britney last night. She was attractive, and she seemed genuinely friendly so if nothing else perhaps we can be good friends. At least it went well last night...whenever I and a woman are involved, disaster is usually on the menu. I AM a klutz with women...it's a proven scientific fact.

Lastly tonight, I wanted to say that if you get the chance to rent/purchase/steal etc. Kinsey with Liam Neeson, it is a great movie about a man who thought sex should be taught more openly then it was in his time (around the 40s and 50s). He felt that men and women were not becoming educated enough about the subject in their everyday Biology classes, and needed to have a better knowledge of sex in order to better understand each other. It really is a great flick, and it is a true story. I have heard the name whispered throughout Psychology halls so I figured I'd check the movie out, and it is really interesting to see how one man with a noble purpose can become so very misunderstood by the public that once loved him as their Golden Boy. More later...until then...

Best,

Heath

 

Sunday, August 28, 2005

Issue 134- "Winding Down, Cranking Up"

Written, Pencilled, Inked by: Heath Parker "Leonard" Lail

Hullo, all. Just dusting the cobwebs off of the Cafe here. Not too dirty, I've been coming back every so often and hopefully I can continue that during this semester. Today marks a new beginning, as last night wound down my first week back, and today begins the spiral upwards towards the second of roughly fifteen weeks of class this semester. Classes are quite tough this go around but I honestly did not expect a cake-walk. I am using my downtime to read up on class notes and such as that, no time for Kellerman or Swamp Thing this semester. I have stopped at issue 140 on Swamp Thing for now, which ushered in the new creative team after Nancy Collins and Scot Eaton's departure. Therefore, I have exactly 30 issues left to complete my run of Swamp Thing vol. 2, where Alan Moore began his wonderful run on the book and paved the way for all of Swampy's adventures with other writers after his departure with number 64. 

Speaking of Swamp Thing, after trolling the message boards online last night, I discovered that a second trade paperback of Rick Veitch's ST stories will be released in either December or January. It will be called Spontaneous Generation, and cover issues 71-76. Hopefully this means that one day, we will get to see Veitch's complete saga on the book (he quit the book after issue 87, citing differences, leaving his Time Travel saga unfinished, at least by him).

Well, guess I'm gonna go but there is your comic education for the day, hope that helps if you get on Jeopardy! Until then...

Best,

Heath

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Issue 133- "One-Shot (Update)"

Written, Pencilled, Inked by : Heath Parker Lail

Well kids, looks like I may be baching it this weekend. Sandra had some "personal issues" that she needs to deal with come up, so she isn't gonna be in town this weekend. Elizabeth decided that she may wait until next weekend to come up, so that we have more time to spend with each other. Sam's friend...I dunno, Sam call me sometime! :) Hope everyone is doing well...things are rather hectic here but maybe it's best that I have a dead weekend to start off with, so I don't fall behind in classes.

As far as my classes go, they vary from interesting to dull. Both Political Science classes are dull as Hell but I need'em to complete my minor. Oh well, things will all turn up sunny...for some reason they always do for me:) There's your update...more later

Best,

Heath

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Issue 132- "Shackles, Part One of...?"

Written, Pencilled, Inked by: Heath P. Lail

I hate shackles. They are cumbersome and painful. They slow you down where you can hardly do anything. Other than that, school is great:) Seriously folks...it's gonna be interesting to see how things heat up as this semester progresses. I have one Political Science class where we have no exams but two 12 page papers due by the end of the semester and the other Poli Sci has only two exams that count for 45 percent a piece. Fun fun, huh kids? At least I have this busy weekend to look forward to. I'm gonna try to meet up with Elizabeth on Friday night, Sandra on Saturday after work, and Brittney on Sunday. Whew...I'm bushed already and I am still three days away from starting that volley of women...lol

Hope everyone else is having a great week, and I'll check back from time to time. I don't want y'all to think I've forgotten about you. So far, no big news but I'm hoping that something will explode in time for the double-sized issue 150, which should hit between November and December unless I fall behind. Hopefull I can pull 18 more issues out before the new Year, guess we'll find out together. For now I'm outta here...

Best, (apologizes to Steve Bissette, whom I stole that "signature" from)

Heath P. Lail 

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Issue 131- "Moving Forward, Part Two of Two"

Written, Pencilled, Inked and more by: Heath Parker Lail

:( 'Tis a sad day, my friends. Tomorrow morn doth bring school, thus ending my summer vacation. But hey, that's ok...I'm still in a great mood over Red's visit yesterday. Before I begin let me apologize to an ooooooooold friend for a slight...Sam, call me up sometime this week and we will go see the baby. Sorry for making you feel left out. Have a great night at work.

Ok, now...things are looking up for ol "Leonard" here...I have reignited one of my greatest friendships of...well, my life (Mrs. Tims asked yesterday how long Elizabeth and I had known each other, and we realized it was about twenty years), freed myself from the bonds of slavery to Shauna, and am approaching the last bit of school. It is a great feeling, knowing that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it is good for my "support team" of old friends to begin showing up in my life again. For those of you who do not know Elizabeth, here is a pic of her from yesterday...

Anyway, I guess that pic is a high point so I'll cut out. Hope y'all have a good week, look for a posting once a week or so here, more if things keep looking up like they are now.

Best,

Heath

 

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Issue 130- "Moving Forward, Part One of Two"

Written, Pencilled, Inked and Everything else: Heath Parker Lail

Hey guys! Hope you are all doing well. Things are going cool over here. Why you ask? Because I took off work today, and it was the best thing I have done in a loooooooong time. Elizabeth and I spent a good seven hours together, traveling to the Wolfchase mall, stopping by the see baby Gabriel, talking about the old days, and just catching up. God, it has been five and a half years since we have seen each other, yet she and I never had a dull moment between us tonight. The electricity was amazing...I feel recharged, and I am not even worried about Shauna and her stupidity....I just feel....better. I feel like reading and writing again, going out and enjoying life rather than sitting here in this room and worrying about Shauna making stupid mistakes that I have no control over. Red and I have a relationship that is unlike any other I know...we have never dated officially, yet she seems to know what my family likes, and she knows exactly what to say and when to say it. We are not pursuing a relationship at this time but if she becomes single I believe we would not let the opportunity pass us by like we did in high school. Man, I don't even feel so bad about going back to class Monday now...I do have things to do when I get there but I'll deal with that when it comes. Liz and I are supposed to hang out again next weekend but I may have a date with Sandra, and Sam told me that I'd better keep next Sunday clear to meet her friend Brittany, so it looks like things are looking up and I'll have a busy weekend.

On another note, Spanish is a big distraction so 'Moving Forward' tonight and tomorrow will prolly be the last "monthly" (daily) storyline for a while, but I will keep you posted on how things are going from time to time in class and in life. I will pray for the safety of everyone reading this, and I hope that you are all having a great weekend. Later:) 

 

Monday, August 15, 2005

Issue 129- "Retrospect, Part One of One"

Written, Pencilled, Inked Lettered and Colored by: Heath Parker Lail

As I sit here tonight, I know not what to say. Upon speaking to my good friend Brooke the other night, I have learned that my ex is possibly neurotic on many levels, and that it was no fault of mine that she left me. I learned that she will be a danger to her baby whenever and wherever she may become pregnant. It will be my legal responsibility as a practicing psychologist to direct the proper authorities to her when this happens, so that her baby will have the possibility of a normal life...that weighs on my heart heavily. I know in my heart that with proper treatment, Shauna's illness could be treated and she would not hurt people like she has hurt me. Yet another part of me is quite upset at her for lying to me and leading me on when she knew all along that she would not stay with me forever.

This Cafe has been a place of solace for me in times of stress...I could come here and talk to you all about damn near anything, and I would receive sage advice in return. I hope you have enjoyed the last true "story arc" I completed, the "Philosophy of Life" issues. There is no Philosophical terms to feel how betrayed I feel.

Instead I feel used and thrown away, even though Shauna is incapable of understanding or caring what she does to people. It is her disease, yet she is not intelligent enough to see that without proper treatment she will NEVER be happy. Whatever crazy shit she is looking for, she will never find solace and peace in one person. It is the unfortunate mixture of genetics and chemical imbalances that destroys her personality, and her chance at a real life. Instead of being upset at her though...I feel tired. I've been treating my first patient for four years, and I failed. I FAILED.

Brooke told me that without a doctorate (to lock her away for involuntary help) and access to medication (to correct the imbalances in her chemical makeup) I have done all I can, and that I am just the first in a long line of people that will be hurt by Shauna throughout her lifetime. I believe this, yet I feel sorry for all the others that she will trick into believeing her lies. Brooke told me not to worry about the "next poor sonofabitch", it will be his problem to deal with. I find no solace in this...I feel as though I am a failed psychologist before I even begin. I didn't see...how could I have known...no one wants to suspect their lover of being unfaithful, but her mistake goes further than simply being unfaithful. It is pure and simple lying to me, and those of you who know me are aware that liars and rude folks get my attention quicker than anything else.

Everyone makes mistakes in their life, and Shauna and I had no small share of mistakes between us. Everyone chooses parts of them to keep secret, things that no one knows about, even the closest of friends and even lovers. Therefore, trust is a massive part of any relationship, especially these days, when people no longer feel that the once-sacred vows of engagement and marriage are important. If you can't trust your "other half", who the Hell can you trust? People have forgotten that marriage is a sacred instution between one man and one woman, whom are placed together as one in name and life. They are supposed to be soul-mates, specially attuned to the needs of the other...these days, people no longer see their vows as sacred. "So what if I marry the wrong person the first time around? I'll just go find another one." No, DAMN IT....that IS WRONG. You are not supposed to go into a relationship saying "If it fails...." you are supposed to go into a relationship with the idea that this is a person who means more than life and you would throw yourself in front of a bullet to protect. For these reasons and the fact that killers abound, I have no fear in a shortage of patients upon becoming a psychologist. I made mention to some one the other day, and said "God sure had it right when he used the analogy of sheep and Shepard. We walk around all day in a haze, forgetting that there is ONE who is greater than us, and sometimes he must prod us to send us in the right direction."

Love is sacred-- Love is true-- Sometimes though...love can make you blue.

Fear not, Mrs. Debbie and others...I'm not going on a pity-party...instead this has strengthened my resolve to be the best psychologist I can. I am extremely naive about the world...I want to believe that inside, all people are inherantly good but that simply isn't true. People are inherantly hollow...unless God enters their life, they have no purpose here. Unless God is driving their car, they don't know where to go. I guess you could say that a person's body is like a house where the electricity is cut off. Unless the power (soul) is cut on, their purpose and drive lies dormant until he comes in.

Sorry, I'm rambling...it is just that these thoughts need to come out, so that my heart can heal, and my soul can search for someone who honestly loves me no matter what. I ask everyone to pray tonight and every night that we wake up and see that we must constantly tell those we love how special they are to us, lest they doubt us. Let no one feel unloved. Pray that those who are lost...both those lost like Shauna( mental problems), and those who know not our loving God, find their way home so that we may all live in harmony together. Love one another...forget not those who help you in times of need...listen to others needs and help when possible...show people who are lost that true love does exist, and it is not just a myth. For those of you who have someone to love tonight, don't go to bed without telling them how special they are to you...I would if mine was still here.

Best to you all, Love in Christ

Heath

Tuesday, August 9, 2005

Issue 128- "To all things, there must come an End"

Written, pencilled and inked by: Heath Parker Lail

The incredible journey of Heath and Shauna has ended. It has been a long and bumpy four years, but she has decided that I'm not worth waiting on anymore. It hurts very badly, because I know now just how far she'll go to lie...just for the Hell of it. I love Shauna Elizabeth Mitchell more than anyone save Sam but I now see her for who she truly is...a selfish, uncaring person whom I should have nothing to do with. She uses people and yet, somehow forgets that she once cared for them. I can  not count the times that I have taken her to the doctor, Army National Guard recruitment center, and other various places that I didn't care to go, but I took her so that she could feel better or she simply wanted to go. I want to do a retrospect of our four years, but it will have to wait until another issue (or two) because I'm bushed right now. I simply can't understand how someone can claim to be in love with someone...to the point where they wish to become pre-engaged and then two days later, tell the person that they just don't love them anymore. Can anyone reading this turn on and off their feelings for someone like a light switch? Not me. Our time is over...I wish her happiness in life because she apparently didn't find it in me, and I wish her well-being, but I am afraid that neither one will be hers because she can't pass the ASVAB to get into the Service, can't hold down a steady job for more than two weeks, and turns her love on and off like a damn faucet so I don't think she'll ever find another guy like me who let her slide by on his money for the rest of her life. If he does, he's a damn fool...just like I was. Goodbye, Shauna. I just wish you could see what you've thrown away...hopefully somebody else will look after me since you don't want the job anymore. Good luck in life, kid. You'll need it.

 

Monday, August 1, 2005

Issue 127-"Fill-In" Part One

Everything: HPLL

Hullo, all. Loooong time no speak. Well, my summer has been very hectic and filled with heartbreak, happiness and just so busy that I stay tired. Hope y'all are doing fine, and now that my summer is winding down, I will try to get into writing this Journal again on a semi-regular basis. I still don't feel up to resurrecting my well-received 'Philosophy of Life' storyarc yet, but perhaps sometime soon, it will pop back up. Mainly I just popped in to make sure the Cafe is still running smoothly and there are no problems. A couple of the lights need to be replaced and the corkboard seems a little dusty but I'm sure that when I stay here more than every so often, it'll be full before long. Feels good to be back (again) and perhaps something will catch my fancy this evening ang we might even get a lil Philosophical...or not. Just depends on my sinuses...right now my head is so stuffy I can't hardly see straight. Hope you guys are all doing ok with this heat and seasonal allergy stuff going on. Well, I'm gonna tidy up a bit and get ready for the crowds to hopefully come shuffling in again. Hopefully they aren't all gone. For now...

Best,

Heath